The Bronx daycare at the center of a tragic fentanyl poisoning case is poised to see its owners sentenced on Wednesday, as families of the affected children prepare to deliver victim impact statements. Grei Mendez and her husband, Felix Herrera-Garcia, face consequences for their roles in a drug operation that led to the death of 22-month-ancient Nicholas Dominici and the hospitalization of three other young children in September 2023. The case has sparked outrage and renewed focus on the dangers of fentanyl and the need for increased safety measures in childcare facilities.
Mendez pleaded guilty last October to federal charges, including conspiracy to distribute narcotics resulting in death, acknowledging her involvement in storing and packaging fentanyl within the Divino Niño daycare center. Prosecutors detailed how the daycare served as a front for a large-scale drug distribution network, with narcotics hidden under a trap door in the children’s play area. The three surviving children were treated with Narcan, the overdose-reversing drug, and ultimately recovered, but the incident left an indelible mark on the community. This sentencing follows Herrera-Garcia’s earlier sentencing to 45 years in federal prison for his role in the operation, according to the New York Post.
The courtroom is expected to be filled with family members, including Nicholas Dominici’s parents, who are scheduled to share their grief and seek justice for their son. The mother of two of the children who survived the exposure will also deliver a statement, and other families who entrusted their children to Divino Niño may also speak. The emotional weight of the proceedings is expected to be significant, as loved ones grapple with the devastating consequences of the couple’s actions.
A Hidden Drug Operation
The discovery of the drug operation at Divino Niño daycare sent shockwaves through the Bronx and beyond. Police executing a search warrant found a kilogram of fentanyl stored on top of playmats used by the children, alongside devices for mixing and packaging the drug, according to the Associated Press. Photos shared by the NYPD on X (formerly Twitter) showed bags of powder concealed beneath plywood and tile flooring, revealing the extent of the operation’s concealment.
🚨BREAKING: NYPD officers discovered a hidden stash of fentanyl &. drug paraphernalia under the floor of a Bronx daycare center. This is where children were exposed to the deadly opioid. https://t.co/WwWqJq9w9q pic.twitter.com/wJq9w99w9q
— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) September 15, 2023
Prosecutors have alleged that Mendez was aware of the drug operation and even took steps to cover it up after realizing some of the children were not waking up from their naps, calling her husband before alerting first responders. While Mendez’s lawyers initially claimed she was unaware of the illicit activities, her guilty plea indicates a shift in her defense. The couple’s actions have been condemned as reckless and a betrayal of the trust placed in them by the families who relied on their care.
Legal Consequences and Previous Sentencing
Mendez’s guilty plea in October came more than a year after Nicholas Dominici’s death. She faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years in prison, with the potential for life behind bars. The sentencing in Bronx court on Wednesday will address state charges of second-degree murder, in addition to the federal penalties already imposed on both Mendez and Herrera-Garcia. Herrera-Garcia was previously sentenced to 45 years in federal prison for drug trafficking charges, as reported by CBS News.
The case has highlighted the devastating impact of the fentanyl crisis and the vulnerability of children to accidental exposure. The Bronx District Attorney’s office has emphasized its commitment to holding those responsible for the tragedy accountable and ensuring the safety of children in childcare settings. The sentencing of Grei Mendez and Felix Herrera-Garcia marks a significant step toward justice for the victims and their families, but the pain and loss will undoubtedly endure.
Following Wednesday’s sentencing, a date will be set for the final sentencing determination in the state case. The families affected by this tragedy await closure and hope that this case will serve as a warning to others about the dangers of drug trafficking and the importance of protecting vulnerable populations.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, resources are available. You can contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-Assist (4357).
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
